ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Michael Andretti appeared rejuvenated and comfortable as he transitioned from his yacht to the starting grid for the start of the IndyCar season. The typically high-strung former racing team boss has found retirement more enjoyable than anticipated after handing over the reins of his team to Dan Towriss at the conclusion of last year. Though he donned a team shirt on race day, he didn’t engage in his prior active oversight role, opting instead to observe from a distance as the season unfolded in the bustling streets of St. Petersburg.
Andretti, free from the responsibility of managing Andretti Global after selling his controlling interest to Towriss, wandered away towards areas of leisure, perhaps to his luxurious yacht docked near Turn 10. Towriss, who remains dedicated to preserving the Andretti name and heritage, has taken over the official duties, allowing Michael Andretti to enjoy a leisurely Sunday. “No headaches,” he chuckled, embracing his newfound unstructured lifestyle and acknowledging his unfamiliarity with having no obligations.
The inaugural race was clinched by Alex Palou from Chip Ganassi Racing, with the Andretti cars landing in the fifth, sixth, and sixteenth spots. However, this was no longer Andretti’s worry. At 62, now a grandfather, and with young twins, Andretti’s appearance in shorts and flip-flops surprised many who once saw him as the tense team leader. “I’m happy,” he admitted, conceding he hadn’t realized how burdened he felt in his previous role.
The pressures of managing the team, especially during the last stretch, weighed heavily on Andretti. His attempts to field a Formula 1 team were stonewalled, and his disputes with IndyCar owner Roger Penske added to the stress. Surprisingly, following his departure, Formula One Management gave the green light to the Cadillac F1 initiative aimed at 2026, marking a significant shift. The team is under the ownership of TWG Motorsports, where Towriss is the CEO.
Following the approval, Andretti took to social media, expressing confidence and pride in the team’s efforts, now embodied by Cadillac F1. His father, Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion, is set to act as an ambassador for the new team, maintaining cordial relations with F1 management despite past grievances.
As for Michael, his interest does not extend to resuming any formal role in the sport. Besides planning to attend the Indianapolis 500 in May, he remains noncommittal about his involvement in other events. Although initially apprehensive about stepping back, Andretti now relishes the liberty of his new life. “You’re always tense. You’re always thinking about what you’ve got to do next. Now it’s not my problem,” he shared, delighting in his newfound enjoyment and peace more than he had anticipated.
